Top 20 DCOMs That Shaped My Childhood

The 90s and early 2000s was a magical time for kids like me who were glued to the television screen. Disney Channel was the epitome of coolness, with shows that captured our hearts and kept us entertained for hours. From Even Stevens to Kim Possible, these shows were more than just entertainment – they became a part of our childhood.

Coming home from school, there was always something great to watch on Disney Channel. We had shows like Lizzie McGuire, Even Stevens, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, That’s So Raven and let’s not forget those early Saturday morning cartoons from Toon Disney (special shout-out to my favorites Pepper Ann, Recess, and The Weekenders (which, btw I’m still waiting for Disney+ to add to their platform).

Aside from those great tv series, I started to think about movies that also defined my childhood. There was a time where DCOM’s ruled my world. My first DCOM movie I ever watched was Under Wraps (1997), a classic Halloween-Themed film of three kids who accidentally awaken a mummy. From there on out, I was hooked with DCOM movies and they got better in the 2000s-2010s. 

Looking back, I realize that DCOM movies played a significant role in shaping my childhood. They brought joy, laughter, and valuable life lessons into my living room. Whether it was the catchy songs, the relatable characters, or the immersive storyline, these movies left a lasting impression on me and I am grateful for that, because they not only provided entertainment, but also helped me navigate the challenges of growing up. 

When Disney+ streamed, I was estatic to see that they included all of DCOM films, especially my favorites. From time to time, I would either have a DCOM marathon, or play a DCOM film to introduce them to my nieces. These films never fail to amaze me and even though I am in my 30’s, watching these films brings back so many great memories. 

Even though there are so many great DCOM’s, I created a list of my top 20 favorite DCOM’s to share with you all that have helped shape my childhood and are still a favorite till this day. If you agree with me, leave a comment below or share which DCOM’s shaped your childhood! 

Top 20 DCOM’s Favorite List:

#20: Stepsister from Planet Weird (2000)

Starting the list at #20 is Stepsister From Planet Weird. This film follows Megan Larson as she navigates the challenges of high school and soon discovers that her mom’s fiancé and his daugther are actually aliens from another planet. This DCOM has a great storyline for a typical teen comedy.

#19: Camp Rock (2008)

Starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, this musical film tells the story of a girl named Mitchie Torres who’s talent in singing brings her a great opportunity to attend a popular summer camp called Camp Rock. The film has great songs that were sung by the Jonas Brothers, and it has a positive message of the importance of being yourself.

#18: Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)

This movie is a great DCOM halloween movie. At #18, Phantom of the Megaplex follows Pete Riley who is the assistant manager at a Megaplex. Pete is excited for the premiere of the new horror film “Midnight Mayhem,” but things start to go wrong when weird incidents begin to occur throughout the theater, from broken projectors to disappearing employees. Pete uncovers the truth in the end and saves the premiere.

#17: Stuck in the Suburbs (2004)

Brittany Aarons is the biggest fan of pop artist Jordan Cahill. One day, Brittany and the new student turned best friend Natasha stumble upon Jordan’s phone and decide to use it to gain popularity and make some changes in his life. No lie, I would’ve never believed that Taran Killam (Jordan Cahill) would be in a DCOM let alone play a pop star in a DCOM film, considering he’s a comedian and SNL member, but he played the part so well. 

#16: The Cheetah Girls (2003)

Okay, this one truly defined my childhood. It’s about four high school aspiring singers Galleria, Chanel, Aqua, and Dorinda. As they audition for a spot in their talent show competition, a famous producer named Jackal Johnson offers them a record deal. Excited about the opportunity, the girls embark on a journey to become the next big girl group. In the film, all four girls face challenges, but in the end their act of bonding repairs their friendship and reconnect with a song. 

#15: High School Musical (2006)

Yes! This one is on the list! HSM is about two teens, Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez and they first meet while at a teen party, singing karaoke on New Years. After their vacation they run into each other again at East High. Troy is the Basketball star athlete, and Gabriella is the new girl who is a whiz kid. They find themselves auditioning for the school musical and each face challenges of being part of cliques and overcoming stereotypes. This is a great musical and brings lots of nostalgic memories. Plus, who can resist singing along to classics like “Breaking Free” and “We’re All in This Together”?

#14: Johnny Tsunami (1999)

Johnny Kapahala is a young teen surfer from Hawaii who’s grandfather is well known as the legendary surfer Johnny Tsunami. When Johnny’s Dad needs to transfer to Vermont for work, he finds himself not only in a different place but also in a completely different world. Vermont is all about snowboarding, and Johnny struggles to fit in. The movie takes us on a journey of self-discovery as Johnny learns to navigate the challenges of his new environment and find his place among the snowboarding community.

#13: Double Teamed (2002)

Twin sisters Heather and Heidi are naturally gifted athletes. They both face several obstacles along the way, with moving to a new house and a new school so that they have a better chance at scoring college scholarships. From being underestimated by their peers to dealing with the pressures of high school and sports, Heather and Heidi’s journey is not an easy one, but quickly overcome all challenges and have a great ending, with both sisters playing for two WNBA teams.

#12: Pixel Perfect (2004)

Pixel Perfect tells the story of a high school student named Roscoe and his virtual pop star creation, Loretta Modern. Despite facing challenges along the way, Roscoe’s determination and creativity lead to unexpected breakthroughs in the music industry.

#11: The Even Stevens Movie (2003)

Ya’ll, so Even Stevens is my favorite Disney TV show and I was so excited that they were having their own DCOM! This film follows the Stevens Family as they embark on a vacation of a lifetime. Siblings Louis and Ren, along with their parents, Steve and Eileen, older brother Donny, and their annoying but hilarious little next door neighbor Beans are chosen to participate in a Teen Island reality show, but they don’t know that. 

#10: The Thirteenth Year (1999)

The Thirteenth Year is about an adopted teenager whose birth mother happens to be a mermaid. Through his journey of self-discovery, Cody learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the true meaning of family.

#9: Gotta Kick It Up! (2002)

This film hits close to home. Gotta Kick It Up! is about a group of Latina middle-school girls who form a dance team. The girls come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own struggles, but they find strength and support in their shared love for dance. Through their journey, they learn to accept and embrace their differences, breaking stereotypes and proving that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

#8: The Luck of the Irish (2001)

The movie follows Kyle, a young boy who discovers that his family is actually leprechauns. As his appearance and luck begin to change, Kyle learns to embrace his heritage and understand that being different is something to be celebrated.

#7: Cadet Kelly (2002)

Gotta love a good Hilary Duff movie! Cadet Kelly explored the clash of cultures between the military academy and the free-spirited, artsy main character Kelly Collins.

#6: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001)

Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge is about the magical town of Halloweentown facing a new threat. Kal Kalabar, the former mayor’s son of Halloweentown, seeks revenge after his family was banished from the town. Marnie, the protagonist, must confront her mistakes and find a way to undo the spell and restore peace to both Halloweentown and her world.

#5: Halloweentown (1998)

We’re finally hitting my top 5 favorite DCOMS! Coming in at #5 is Halloweentown! This film is about a young girl named Marnie who discovers that she comes from a long line of witches. She soon embarks on a magical adventure to Halloweentown, a place where supernatural beings live, to save her family and restore peace.

#4: Smart House (1999)

At #4 is Smart House. I think everyone who’s watched this film wished they could’ve lived in a Smart House like Ben Cooper. The concept of a fully automated house that can do everything for you is incredibly appealing, especially for those who struggle with household chores or simply want a more convenient lifestyle.

Smart House takes this idea and turns it into an exciting and humorous adventure. From the talking virtual assistant, Pat, to the house’s ability to respond to your every need, this film explores the possibilities and potential pitfalls of advanced technology in our everyday lives.

#3: Motorcrossed (2001)

Ya’ll, when I say that DCOM brought more than just entertainment, it also showed great messages when it comes to women empowerment. Motocrossed tells the story of Andrea Carson, a young girl who is passionate about motocross racing. When her twin brother, Andrew, gets injured before a big race, Andrea disguises herself as him to compete in his place. This empowering film showcases the determination and courage of a young girl breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport.

#2: Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)

Alright, this one was a tough decision because I have two FAVORITE DCOM films, but Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century came in at #2. This coming-of-age film is about a teen girl named Zenon who lives in a space station orbiting Earth. Keep in mind, the movie takes place in the year 2049 so it’s insane how the technology used in this film, we’re using it now in 2024. As the story unfolds, Zenon finds herself caught up in some trouble when she senses that the space station owner, Wyndham, is up to no good. With her quick thinking and resourcefulness, Zenon uses her technological skills and gadgets to unravel the mystery and save the day–all while being in Earth.

#1: Get A Clue (2002)

Finally, at #1 my favorite DCOM film, Get a Clue. Lohan plays Lexy Gold, a high school student from Manhattan who has a passion for journalism and solving mysteries. When her teacher goes missing, Lexy takes it upon herself to become a detective and wants to figure out what happened. Along the way, she teams up with her school editor and student Jack, her best friend Jen and Gabe and together they uncover the investigation and Lexy solves the mystery with her knowledge of fashion.

Conclusion

DCOM movies hold a special place in my heart. They represented a time of innocence, laughter, and shared experiences. As I reflect on those nostalgic moments, I can’t help but smile and feel grateful for the countless hours of entertainment and inspiration that Disney Channel Original Movies brought into my life. And I know that I’m not alone in cherishing these timeless classics that continue to captivate new generations of viewers.

Are any of your DCOM favorites on the list? Let me know in the comments which one was your favorite!